Nevada has some great genetics, and on good moisture years, it can really produce some great bucks. Southeastern Nevada is the more popular area when it comes to trophy class bucks. These units typically have lower tag numbers, great genetics, and thick enough cover for bucks to grow old. As for moisture this winter, most of the state is looking to be close to average with the exception of the better deer areas in the southeastern portion of the state. In the last two weeks, Nevada has been getting some good moisture, but it is more than likely going to still be drought conditions in the southern portion of the state.
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The units in Northern and Central Nevada have been getting more moisture and should be producing some bigger bucks this year. These units are starting to produce some older age class bucks due to the low tag numbers most of these units have had for the last handful of years. Most of these units will have the opportunity at 150-170”+ bucks. One thing to remember about Nevada is that every unit in the state has the potential to produce a 180” buck. They may feel like a needle in a haystack, but they are there for a hunter willing to do enough scouting. If you are only looking for a 180”+ buck, you should stick to our top picks unless you have inside information on where a big buck is.
The Nevada deer population is as low as it was in the early 1980s. Nevada has been taking steps to try to turn their deer herd around. They cut all antlerless deer tags in 2024 and changed the resident junior deer tags to antlered only. These two changes are helping with herd growth. Just imagine how great the mule deer population could be if we could just figure out how to remove most of the feral horses in Nevada. Most hunters are anti-mountain lions due to the predation on deer, but the truth is the feral horse population is really one of the biggest issues when it comes to Nevada having a healthy, robust deer population.
For specific units, seasons, and dates please consult the regulations.
Nevada has one of the earliest archery seasons in the West. It’s a great time to be chasing velvet bucks. Most units’ seasons start out with an August-only archery hunt that begins August 10th followed by a three-week muzzleloader season that runs into October. Several units have split rifle hunts (early and late) and two-week seasons, with some exceptions. Most of the northwest units have an extended month-long season from October 5th to November 5th to allow hunters the opportunity to harvest in units that have lower deer densities. Units 101-109 and 171-173 have three different rifle seasons. Then there are a few other units with different season dates than the norm in the state, which allows some premium hunter tags for all weapons. The wide variety of hunts offered during different times of the year provides plenty of opportunities to fit a hunt into your schedule.
Nevada’s deer population, like all other states, is tied to suitable habitat. With the dry air, and limited access to much of the state, it’s understandable that deer densities are not as high as other western states. Even in Nevada’s top units, mature bucks can be difficult to find, so prepare for a long hunt that requires a lot of effort.
If you draw a tag and want to talk about doing the hunt yourself or want help choosing an outfitter, give us a call. We work with the best deer outfitters in Nevada.
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The Nevada application deadline is May 8, 2025 at 11:00 p.m. (PDT).
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Up-Front Fees |
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| Hunt/Fish Combo License (365-day license) | $156 |
| Youth Hunt/Fish Combo License (365-day license) | $16 |
| Application Fee (all species except elk) | $14 |
| Silver State Tag Application Fee (all species except elk) | $24 |
| PIW Application Fee | $11 |
| Bonus Point Only Fee | $11 |
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| Deer (regular draw tag) | $241 |
Nevada Mule Deer Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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